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Bay Area Backcountry: Big Basin

Castle Rock State Park Big Basin Redwoods State Park Portola State Park Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Not a link Map of Quadrangle
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Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Big Basin has 19,000 acres of first-growth redwood forests. Nice temperatures all year round. Very wet early in the year.

There is no potable water at any of the trail-camps. The streams are polluted by nearby civilization, so boil, filter, or treat all water before consumption.

The Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail runs through Big Basin - you can follow it uphill to Castle Rock State Park or downhill to the Rancho del Oso nature center near Highway 1.

Reservations are accepted for campsites, and a permit must be obtained from the Ranger's Station before camping at the trail sites.

Activities

Backpacking
Hiking
Camping
Dogs Prohibited

Getting There

From highway 17, take Mt. Hermon Road west from Scott's Valley to Felton. Then follow highway 9 to highway 236. Highway 236 leads into the park.

USGS 7.5' Topo Maps

Davenport
Ano Nuevo
Big Basin
Franklin Point

Further Information

Big Basin Redwoods State Park
21600 Big Basin Way
Boulder Creek, CA 95006

Reservations America

Links

Mapquest.com Map
An almost official Big Basin Redwoods web site

Castle Rock State Park

Castle Rock straddles the ridge line of the Santa Cruz Mountains. From some spots one can see the ocean, and from others Santa Clara valley. There are 23 miles of trails through many distinct environments.

This is not a major camping spot, although there are a few rustic sites. Primarily Castle Rock is a starting point for the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail . The park is also a major site for rock climbers.

The rustic sites have potable water. No reservations are accepted, nor are they needed.

There have been thefts from cars and parking in the lot might help (if there are rangers on duty). The lot is open from sunrise to sunset.

Activities

Hiking
Rock Climbing
Camping
Backpacking

Getting There

The main parking lot is two or three miles south of Highway 9 on Skyline Boulevard.

USGS 7.5' Topo Maps

Big Basin
Cupertino
Mindego Hill

Further Information

Castle Rock State Park
15000 Skyline Boulevard
Los Gatos, CA 95020

Links

Mapquest.com Map

Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District

The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District maintains a large amount of open land from Santa Clara County to San Mateo County. Most of their preserves are open for hiking between sunrise and sunset. Some of the preserves have equestrian access. One offers campsites for backpacking.

Their web site is well organized and simply gorgeous.

Activities

Hiking
Mountain Biking

Getting There

Portola State Park

Portola State Park occupies a large basin - you will be hiking among ferns and first and second growth redwoods. There are trails connecting Portola to Castle Rock, Sanborn Canyon, and Big Basin. Portola is often empty - you can get the whole canyon to yourself on weekdays.

Main campground has restrooms, hot showers, and mosquitoes - each campsite has a table and stove.

There are three trail camps: Slate Creek 2.5 miles from the park headquarters, Tarwater is also 2.5 miles, and another camp is 0.6 miles.

Activities

Hiking
Camping
Backpacking
Dogs Prohibited

Getting There

From Highway 35, take Alpine Road southward to Portola Park Road. Travel to end of Portola Park Road.

USGS 7.5' Topo Maps

Big Basin
Mindego Hill

Further Information

Portola State Park
Star Route 2
La Honda, CA 94029

Reservations America

Links

Mapquest.com Map

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